Phytochemical and genetic analysis in selected chemotypes of Withania somnifera

Presence of active constituents (withanolides and withaferin A) from roots and leaves of Withania somnifera were analyzed by HPLC. The isolated compounds were elucidated on the basis of IR, NMR and mass spectral data. Genetic analysis was carried out employing AFLP. Positive correlation of main components was obtained with the DNA markers employing Jaccard's similarity coefficient. The present investigation throws a fresh perspective of using AFLP markers to designate specific chemotypes for breeding and therapeutic studies.